Sidereal zodiac (nirayana)
A zodiac measured against the fixed stars, as Jyotish uses. Western astrology mostly uses the tropical zodiac instead.
- Vedic astrology
- हिंदी: निरयण राशिचक्र
What is the rule behind Sidereal zodiac?
Signs are measured against the fixed stars (sidereal zodiac) using the Lahiri ayanamsha, India's official standard.
Source: Report of the Calendar Reform Committee, 1955
Where can you learn about Sidereal zodiac?
Related terms
- Kundali (birth chart)A map of where the Sun, Moon and planets stood in the sky at the moment and place of birth.
- Rashi (sign)One of the 12 equal 30° parts of the zodiac, from Aries (1) to Pisces (12).
- Lagna (ascendant)The sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. It becomes the 1st house.
- AyanamshaThe gap, in degrees, between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs.
- Bhava (house)One of the 12 houses of a chart. Each house stands for areas of life and holds one sign.
- Rahu and KetuThe two points where the Moon's path crosses the Sun's path. They are always exactly opposite each other.
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What does Sidereal zodiac mean in Vedic astrology?
A zodiac measured against the fixed stars, as Jyotish uses. Western astrology mostly uses the tropical zodiac instead. Signs are measured against the fixed stars (sidereal zodiac) using the Lahiri ayanamsha, India's official standard.
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